John Daniel Russell

John Daniel Russell, age 23, died on November 15, 2025. He leaves behind his parents, John and Beverly Russell, his sister, Lillian Grace Russell (Lilly), his grandmothers, Alice Starnes Bolton and Jeanne Newman Russell, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him deeply. Daniel was preceded in death by his grandfathers, John Everett Bolton (Jack) and John Morris Russell, Senior. He was a graduate of Presbyterian Day School, Memphis University School class of 2021, and Baylor University class of 2025 cum laude with degrees in finance and entrepreneurship.
One struggles to convey adequately what an exceptional young man Daniel was. His beautiful smile, genuinely joyful demeanor, and constant deference towards others made him delightful company to young and old alike. Respect and courtesy were hallmarks of his fine character, and he lived with a heart of gratitude and generosity that was immediately apparent to all who met him.
How Daniel accomplished so much in his brief time is truly remarkable. He loved life and packed more into his 23 years than most could do over a lifetime. At his PDS graduation, Daniel was dubbed the "Renaissance Man." He lived out this moniker into high school where he sang in the a cappella group, Beg to Differ, played on the golf team, earned his Eagle Scout, achieved his pilot's license, and convinced his mother to skydive with him for his 18th birthday. He lovingly volunteered his time to lead worship music on guitar for the Special Friends Fellowship Club. While at Baylor he served as an Ambassador for the Hankamer School of Business. He was even featured prominently in a commercial for the University.
Perhaps his most extraordinary accomplishments are his travels with friends and with family to exotic and remote locations around the globe. Daniel explored over 40 countries and most recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with his sister and best friend, Lilly. Daniel and his father enjoyed special golf trips to wonderful destinations including Whistling Straits and Bandon Dunes. He planned many of the travel itineraries for family trips to New Zealand, Egypt, and throughout Europe. As often as he could, he arranged ambitious backpacking excursions to places like Patagonia and Glacier National Park with his cousin and friends. His family and other travel companions were amazed and exceedingly grateful for his expertise in planning all the details while directing them into special surprise experiences along their way like witnessing an active volcano and snorkeling in Silfra, Iceland, between two of earth's tectonic plates.
Noteworthy were Daniel's culinary skills that served his fraternity Phi Kappa Chi while at Baylor where he regularly prepared home-game tailgating feasts for hundreds of people. He relished cooking for others, especially his grateful family who indulged in his fabulous smoked brisket, homemade breads, and desserts.
Daniel was a man of unquestionable faith and had read the Bible from beginning to end. He credited his cheerful countenance to his love for Jesus. He was a faithful member of Church of the Holy Communion while growing up in Memphis. He was a small group leader at Harris Creek Church while in school in Waco and most recently served as a greeter at Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas. He also volunteered with Young Life's middle school program.
Daniel will be remembered for the joy and love he brought to everyone around him. He had a rare gift for meaningful conversation- asking thoughtful questions, listening deeply, and showing sincere interest in every person he met. He noticed and remembered the details that mattered and he was known for calling friends, family, and even new acquaintances simply to check in and make sure they felt seen and cared for. Daniel possessed nothing but goodness in his heart, and it was reflected in the way he loved and treated others. We will deeply miss the blessing of this shining light in our lives. While our sorrow is profound, we remain immensely thankful for Daniel's extraordinary life of loving well and serving generously. Daniel would encourage us all to live life to the fullest.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Holy Communion. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Daniel's memory to the Baylor University Hankamer Business School need-based scholarship fund (https://www.baylor.edu/honoringdaniel) or to the Recover Food Feed Hope ministry at Church of the Holy Communion.